A high-flying children's football team is appealing for help to replace their worn-out strips.

Stockton Town Under-13s has had a meteoric rise, winning promotion from the third to first division of the local youth league in consecutive seasons.

But a shortage of funds has meant the team, which plays its home games at Our Lady and St Bede School, has had to use the same kit for the past three years.

Last year they only had sufficient cash to buy new socks.

Coach and manager Mick Conroy said: "The team has done absolutely marvellously.

"The kids are always keen. But the strips are starting to look a big old and the players vary in height so some of them are starting grow out of them."

Fundraisers have set themselves a target of £500 to cover the cost of a new blue and yellow home kit. Mr Conroy said: "The team has gone from strength to strength. It's great for the youngsters and they seem to get a lot out of it. We'll accept any help we can from people who want to make donations."

A table-top sale in aid of the appeal will take place at Hartburn Methodist Church on Saturday from 10.30am to 3pm.